Display device

ABSTRACT

A display device including a display panel; an optical layer behind the display panel; and a frame behind the optical layer. Further, the frame includes a flange supporting a portion of a back surface of the optical layer; a first rib extended from the flange and configured to contact and support a side surface of the optical layer; and a second rib extended from the flange and positioned to be spaced apart from the side surface of the optical layer.

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No.10-2016-0084037 filed on Jul. 4, 2016, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forthherein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to a display device.

Discussion of the Related Art

With the development of the information society, various demands fordisplay devices have been increasing. Various display devices, such as,e.g., liquid crystal displays (LCDs), plasma display panels (PDPs),electroluminescent displays (ELDs), and vacuum fluorescent displays(VFDs), have been studied and used to meet various demands for thedisplay devices.

Among the display devices, a liquid crystal display panel of the liquidcrystal display includes a liquid crystal layer, and a thin filmtransistor (TFT) substrate and a color filter substrate which arepositioned opposite each other with the liquid crystal layer interposedtherebetween. The liquid crystal display panel displays an image usinglight provided by a backlight unit of the liquid crystal display.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to address theabove-described and other problems.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a display devicecapable of maintaining initial image quality by improving durability ofthe display device.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a display devicecapable of varying an arrangement of light sources of a backlight unit.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a display devicecapable of improving light efficiency of a backlight unit.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a display devicecapable of securing structural rigidity of a slim frame.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a display devicecapable of improving a support structure of an optical layer.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a display devicecapable of improving the assembly convenience of a holder and preventingthe detachment of the holder.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a display devicecapable of improving the durability against an external impact.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, thepresent invention provides in one aspect a display device including adisplay panel; an optical layer behind the display panel; and a framebehind the optical layer. Further, the frame includes a flangesupporting a portion of a back surface of the optical layer; a first ribextended from the flange and configured to contact and support a sidesurface of the optical layer; and a second rib extended from the flangeand positioned to be spaced apart from the side surface of the opticallayer.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, thedetailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferredembodiments of the invention, are given by illustration only, sincevarious changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of theinvention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdetailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention. In the drawings:

FIGS. 1 to 5 illustrate examples of a display device related to thepresent disclosure;

FIGS. 6, 7A, 7B to 9 illustrate examples of a frame according to oneembodiment;

FIGS. 10 to 17 illustrate examples of the coupling of light sourcesaccording to one embodiment;

FIGS. 18 to 21 illustrate examples of a frame according to oneembodiment;

FIGS. 22 to 29 illustrate examples of the arrangement of light sourcesaccording to one embodiment;

FIGS. 30 to 38 illustrate examples of the coupling and the arrangementof light sources according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 39 to 46B illustrate examples of an edge of a frame according toone embodiment;

FIG. 47 illustrates an example of a cross section of a display deviceaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 48 illustrates an example of a display device according to oneembodiment;

FIGS. 49 and 50 illustrate examples of fixing a member layer of adisplay device according to one embodiment; and

FIGS. 51 to 54 illustrate examples of fixing a member layer of a displaydevice according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail embodiments of the inventionexamples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Sincethe present invention may be modified in various ways and may havevarious forms, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings andare described in detail in the present specification. However, it shouldbe understood that the present invention are not limited to specificdisclosed embodiments, but include all modifications, equivalents andsubstitutes included within the spirit and technical scope of thepresent invention.

The terms ‘first’, ‘second’, etc. may be used to describe variouscomponents, but the components are not limited by such terms. The termsare used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from othercomponents. For example, a first component may be designated as a secondcomponent without departing from the scope of the present invention. Inthe same manner, the second component may be designated as the firstcomponent.

The term “and/or” encompasses both combinations of the plurality ofrelated items disclosed and any item from among the plurality of relateditems disclosed. When an arbitrary component is described as “beingconnected to” or “being linked to” another component, this should beunderstood to mean that still another component(s) may exist betweenthem, although the arbitrary component may be directly connected to, orlinked to, the second component. In contrast, when an arbitrarycomponent is described as “being directly connected to” or “beingdirectly linked to” another component, this should be understood to meanthat no component exists between them.

The terms used in the present application are used to describe onlyspecific embodiments or examples, and are not intended to limit thepresent invention. A singular expression can include a plural expressionas long as it does not have an apparently different meaning in context.In the present application, the terms “include” and “have” should beunderstood to be intended to designate that illustrated features,numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereofexist and not to preclude the existence of one or more differentfeatures, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinationsthereof, or the possibility of the addition thereof.

Unless otherwise specified, all of the terms which are used herein,including the technical or scientific terms, have the same meanings asthose that are generally understood by a person having ordinaryknowledge in the art to which the present invention pertains. The termsdefined in a generally used dictionary must be understood to havemeanings identical to those used in the context of a related art, andare not to be construed to have ideal or excessively formal meaningsunless they are obviously specified in the present application.

The following exemplary embodiments of the present invention areprovided to those skilled in the art in order to describe the presentinvention more completely. Accordingly, shapes and sizes of elementsshown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

Hereinafter, the embodiments of the invention are described using aliquid crystal display panel as an example of a display panel. Otherdisplay panels may be used. For example, a plasma display panel (PDP), afield emission display (FED) panel, and an organic light emitting diode(OLED) display panel may be used.

In what follows, a display device 100 may include a first long side LS1,a second long side LS2 opposite the first long side LS1, a first shortside SS1 adjacent to the first long side LS1 and the second long sideLS2, and a second short side SS2 opposite the first short side SS1.

In the embodiment disclosed herein, the first short side SS1 may bereferred to as a first side area; the second short side SS2 may bereferred to as a second side area opposite the first side area; thefirst long side LS1 may be referred to as a third side area which isadjacent to the first side area and the second side area and ispositioned between the first side area and the second side area; and thesecond long side LS2 may be referred to as a fourth side area which isadjacent to the first side area and the second side area, is positionedbetween the first side area and the second side area, and is opposite tothe third side area.

The embodiment of the invention describes that lengths of the first andsecond long sides LS1 and LS2 are longer than lengths of the first andsecond short sides SS1 and SS2 for the sake of brevity and ease ofreading. However, the lengths of the first and second long sides LS1 andLS2 may be almost equal to the lengths of the first and second shortsides SS1 and SS2.

In the following description, a first direction DR1 may be a directionparallel to the long sides LS1 and LS2 of the display device 100, and asecond direction DR2 may be a direction parallel to the short sides SS1and SS2 of the display device 100. Further, a third direction DR3 may bea direction vertical to the first direction DR1 and/or the seconddirection DR2.

In the embodiment disclosed herein, the first direction DR1 and thesecond direction DR2 may be commonly referred to as a horizontaldirection. Further, the third direction DR3 may be referred to as avertical direction. In another point of view, a side or a surface, onwhich the display device 100 displays an image, may be referred to as afront side or a front surface. When the display device 100 displays theimage, a side or a surface, at which the image cannot be observed, maybe referred to as a back side or a back surface. When the display device100 is observed at the front side or the front surface, the first longside LS1 may be referred to as an upper side or an upper surface. In thesame manner as the first long side LS1, the second long side LS2 may bereferred to as a lower side or a lower surface. Further, the first shortside SS1 may be referred to as a left side or a left surface, and thesecond short side SS2 may be referred to as a right side or a rightsurface.

Further, the first long side LS1, the second long side LS2, the firstshort side SS1, and the second short side SS2 may be referred to asedges of the display device 100. Positions where the first long sideLS1, the second long side LS2, the first short side SS1, and the secondshort side SS2 meet one another may be referred to as corners. Forexample, a position where the first long side LS1 and the first shortside SS1 meet each other may be referred to as a first corner C1; aposition where the first long side LS1 and the second short side SS2meet each other may be referred to as a second corner C2; a positionwhere the second short side SS2 and the second long side LS2 meet eachother may be referred to as a third corner C3; and a position where thesecond long side LS2 and the first short side SS1 meet each other may bereferred to as a fourth corner C4.

In the embodiment disclosed herein, a direction from the first shortside SS1 to the second short side SS2 or a direction from the secondshort side SS2 to the first short side SS1 may be referred to as aleft-right direction LR. A direction from the first long side LS1 to thesecond long side LS2 or from the second long side LS2 to the first longside LS1 may be referred to as an up-down direction UD.

FIGS. 1 to 5 illustrate examples of a display device related to thepresent disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a display panel 110 ispositioned in front of a display device 100 and can display an image.The display panel 110 includes a plurality of pixels and outputs theimage while controlling color, brightness, and chroma of each pixel.

The display panel 110 is divided into an active area on which the imageis displayed, and an inactive area on which the image is not displayed.The display panel 110 may include a front substrate and a back substratethat are positioned opposite each other with a liquid crystal layerinterposed therebetween.

The front substrate may include a plurality of pixels each includingred, green, and blue subpixels, and can generate an image correspondingto red, green, or blue color in response to a control signal. Further,the back substrate may include switching elements and can switch on andoff pixel electrodes. For example, the pixel electrodes can change amolecule arrangement of the liquid crystal layer in response to acontrol signal received from the outside.

In addition, the liquid crystal layer includes a plurality of liquidcrystal molecules, and the arrangement of the liquid crystal moleculescan be changed depending on a voltage difference between the pixelelectrode and a common electrode. The liquid crystal layer can alsotransfer light provided by a backlight unit 120 to the front substrate.

A front cover 105 covers at least a portion of a front surface and aside surface of the display panel 110. The front cover 105 may have arectangular fame shape, in which a center portion is empty. Because thecenter portion of the front cover 105 is empty, an image displayed onthe display panel 110 can be seen to the outside.

The front cover 105 may also include a front cover and a side cover.Namely, the front cover 105 may include the front cover at the frontsurface of the display panel 110 and the side cover at the side surfaceof the display panel 110. The front cover and the side cover may beseparately configured, and one of the front cover and the side cover maybe omitted. For example, the front cover can be omitted, and only theside cover can be absent in terms of a beautiful appearance of thedisplay device 100.

A guide panel 117 is positioned in the rear of the display panel 110 andsupports a portion of a back surface of the display panel 110. The guidepanel 117 contacts an edge of the display panel 110 and is coupled to aframe 130.

The backlight unit 120 is positioned in the rear of the display panel110 and includes a plurality of light sources. The light sources of thebacklight unit 120 may be arranged in an edge type or a direct type. Forthe edge type backlight unit 120, a light guide plate or a light guidepanel may be added.

The backlight unit 120 may be positioned in front of the frame 130. Forexample, the plurality of light sources can be disposed at a frontsurface of the frame 130. In this instance, the backlight unit 120 iscommonly called the direct type backlight unit 120. The backlight unit120 can also be driven in an entire driving method or a partial drivingmethod, such as a local dimming method and an impulsive driving method.As shown, the backlight unit 120 may include an optical sheet 125 and anoptical layer 123.

In particular, the optical sheet 125 disperses light of the lightsources and may be configured as a plurality of layers. For example, theoptical sheet 125 may include at least one prism sheet and/or at leastone diffusion sheet. The optical sheet 125 may further include at leastone coupling portion 125 d. The coupling portion 125 d can be coupled tothe front cover 105 and/or a back cover 150.

Namely, the coupling portion 125 d can be directly coupled to the frontcover 105 and/or the back cover 150. Alternatively, the coupling portion125 d may be coupled to a structure coupled to the front cover 105and/or the back cover 150. Namely, the coupling portion 125 d can beindirectly coupled to the front cover 105 and/or the back cover 150.Further, the optical layer 123 may include the light sources, etc. Theoptical layer 123 will be described in detail in the correspondingparagraphs.

The frame 130 supports the components constituting the display device100. For example, the backlight unit 120 may be coupled to the frame130. The frame 130 may be formed of a metal material, for example, analuminum alloy.

In addition, the back cover 150 is positioned in the rear of the displaydevice 100 and protects an inner configuration of the display device 100from the outside. At least a portion of the back cover 150 can becoupled to the frame 130 and/or the front cover 105. The back cover 150may also be an injection production formed of a resin material (or aninjection molded resin material).

Referring to FIG. 3, the backlight unit 120 may include the opticallayer 123 including a substrate 122, at least one light assembly 124, areflective sheet 126 and a diffusion plate 129, and the optical sheet125 positioned in front of the optical layer 123. The configuration ofthe backlight unit 120 is not limited thereto. For example, one or moreof the components constituting the backlight unit 120 may be omitted.

The substrate 122 may also be configured as a plurality of straps,extended in a first direction and spaced apart from one another by apredetermined distance in a second direction perpendicular to the firstdirection. At least one light assembly 124 may be mounted on thesubstrate 122. Further, the substrate 122 may have an electrode patternfor connecting an adaptor to the light assembly 124. For example, acarbon nanotube electrode pattern may be used for the electrode pattern.The substrate 122 may be formed of at least one of polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), glass, polycarbonate (PC), and silicon. Thesubstrate 122 may be a printed circuit board (PCB).

The light assemblies 124 may be disposed on the substrate 122 atpredetermined intervals in the first direction. In addition, a diameterof the light assembly 124 may be greater than a width of the substrate122. Namely, the diameter of the light assembly 124 may be greater thana length of the substrate 122 in a second direction.

The light assembly 124 may be one of a light emitting diode (LED) chipand a LED package having at least one LED chip. The light assembly 124may also be configured as a colored LED emitting at least one of red,green, and blue light or a white LED. The colored LED can include atleast one of a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED.

Further, the light source included in the light assembly 124 may be aCOB (chip-on board) type. The COB light source may be configured suchthat the LED chip as the light source is directly coupled to thesubstrate 122. Hence, a manufacturing process can be simplified, aresistance can be reduced, and thus a loss of energy due to heatdecreases. Namely, the power efficiency of the light assembly 124increases. The COB light source provides brighter lighting and can bemanufactured to be thinner and lighter than a related art.

In addition, the reflective sheet 126 is positioned at a front surfaceof the substrate 122 and includes through holes 235, and the lightassembly 124 is inserted into the through hole 235. The reflective sheet126 reflects light emitted from the light assembly 124 forward and againreflects light reflected from the diffusion plate 129 toward thediffusion plate 129.

In addition, the reflective sheet 126 may include at least one of metaland metal oxide, each of which is a reflection material. The reflectivesheet 126 may include metal and/or metal oxide having a highreflectance, for example, at least one of aluminum (Al), silver (Ag),gold (Au), and titanium dioxide (TiO₂).

The reflective sheet 126 can also be formed by depositing and/or coatingthe metal or the metal oxide on the substrate 122. An ink including themetal material may also be printed on the reflective sheet 126. Further,a deposition layer may be formed on the reflective sheet 126 using athermal deposition method, an evaporation method, or a vacuum depositionmethod such as a sputtering method. A coating layer and/or a printinglayer can also be formed on the reflective sheet 126 using a printingmethod, a gravure coating method, or a silk screen method.

Further, an air gap may be positioned between the reflective sheet 126and the diffusion plate 129 to serve as a buffer capable of widelyspreading light emitted from the light assembly 124. A supporter (orsupport plate) 200 can be positioned between the reflective sheet 126and the diffusion plate 129, so as to maintain the air gap. A resin maybe deposited on the light assembly 124 and/or the reflective sheet 126to diffuse light emitted from the light assembly 124. The diffusionplate 129 also diffuses light emitted from the light assembly 124upwardly.

In addition, the optical sheet 125 may be positioned in front of thediffusion plate 129 with a back surface of the optical sheet 125 facingthe diffusion plate 129, and a front surface of the optical sheet 125facing the back surface of the display panel 110.

The optical sheet 125 may include at least one sheet. More specifically,the optical sheet 125 may include one or more prism sheets and/or one ormore diffusion sheets. The plurality of sheets included in the opticalsheet 125 can also be attached and/or adhered to one another.

In other words, the optical sheet 125 may include a plurality of sheetshaving different functions. For example, the optical sheet 125 mayinclude first to third optical sheets 125 a to 125 c. The first opticalsheet 125 a can function as a diffusion sheet, and the second and thirdoptical sheets 125 b and 125 c can function as a prism sheet. A numberand/or a position of the diffusion sheets and the prism sheets can alsobe changed.

The diffusion sheet can prevent light coming from the diffusion plate129 from being partially concentrated and can more uniformly distributethe light. The prism sheet can concentrate light coming from thediffusion sheet and make the concentrated light be vertically incidenton the display panel 110.

In addition, the coupling portion 125 d may be formed on at least one ofa side and an edge of the optical sheet 125. The coupling portion 125 dmay be formed on at least one of the first to third optical sheets 125 ato 125 c. The coupling portion 125 d may be formed at a long side or anedge of the optical sheet 125. The coupling portion 125 d on a firstlong side and the coupling portion 125 d on a second long side may beasymmetrical to each other. For example, a number and/or a position ofthe coupling portions 125 d on the first long side may be different froma number and/or a position of the coupling portions 125 d on the secondlong side.

Referring next to FIG. 4, the substrate 122 including the plurality ofstraps, which is extended in the first direction and are spaced apartfrom one another by a predetermined distance in the second directionperpendicular to the first direction, may be provided on the frame 130.One end of each of the plurality of substrates 122 may be connected to awire electrode 232. The wire electrode 232 may be extended in the seconddirection and connected to the ends of the substrates 122 atpredetermined intervals in the second direction.

Further, a wire hole 234 can be formed at one end of the wire electrode232. The wire hole 234 may be a fine hole penetrating the frame 130. Thewire electrode 232 can be extended to a back surface of the frame 130through the wire hole 234. The wire electrode 232 can also beelectrically connected to an adaptor positioned at the back surface ofthe frame 130 through the wire hole 234.

The light assemblies 124 can also be mounted on each substrate 122 (oreach strap) at predetermined intervals in the first direction. Adiameter of the light assembly 124 may be greater than a width of thesubstrate 122 in the second direction.

Referring to FIG. 5, the wire electrode 232 extending from the frontsurface of the frame 130 through the wire hole 234 can be electricallyconnected to a power supply board 315. The power supply board 315 may bea printed circuit board supplying electric power to the display device100 and can convert AC power into DC power.

Further, the power supply board 315 can supply an electric current tothe light assembly 124 through the wire electrode 232. The power supplyboard 315 can be electrically connected to a main board 321 through thewire electrode 232. In addition, the main board 321 may be spaced apartfrom the power supply board 315 by a predetermined distance.

The main board 321 can also be a printed circuit board providing aninterface for operating the display device 100. Further, the main board321 can check and control an operation state of each of the componentsof the display device 100.

The power supply board 315 and the main board 321 can be electricallyconnected to a timing controller board 319 through the wire electrode232. The timing controller board 319 may be a printed circuit boardtransmitting electric power or signals received from the power supplyboard 315 or the main board 321 to the display panel 110. The timingcontroller board 319 can also be electrically connected to the displaypanel 110 positioned in front of the frame 130 through flat flexiblecables 251.

FIG. 5 illustrates that the printed circuit boards are connected to oneanother, by way of example. However, embodiments are not limitedthereto. For example, only at least a portion of each printed circuitboard may be connected to one another.

Next, FIGS. 6 to 9 illustrate examples of a frame according to oneembodiment. Referring to FIG. 6, the frame 130 provides a space foraccommodating the above-described components or components to bedescribed later. The frame 130 includes a flat portion 130B, an inclinedportion 130DL, and a flange 130P. One plate may be pressed to form theflat portion 130B, the inclined portion 130DL, and the flange 130P ofthe frame 130.

The flat portion 130B can form an entire bottom of the frame 130 and bebent or stepped to provide rigidity for the frame 130. Alternatively,the flat portion 130B may have a stepped portion to support or fix thecomponents.

The frame 130 may have trenches 132, 134 and 136 formed on the flatportion 130B. Each of the trenches 132, 134 and 136 may be formed on theflat portion 130B in the left-right direction LR. The trenches 132, 134and 136 can also be formed by pressing the frame 130 or the flat portion130B.

Further, the plurality of trenches 132, 134 and 136 may be formed andarranged in the up-down direction UD. For example, the first trench 134can be formed in the center of the flat portion 130B, the second trench132 can be formed on the flat portion 130B above the first trench 134,and the third trench 136 can be formed on the flat portion 130B belowthe first trench 134.

In addition, the first trench 134 can have a different width from thesecond trench 132 and/or the third trench 136. A width of the secondtrench 132 can be the same as or similar to a width of the third trench136. Namely, one of the plurality of trenches 132, 134 and 136 can havea different width from another of the plurality of trenches 132, 134 and136.

Further, the inclined portion 130DL can be extended from an edge of theflat portion 130B and include a plurality of inclined portions 130DL1 to130DL4. The plurality of inclined portions 130DL1 to 130DL4 can beextended from edges of the flat portion 130B. For example, the firstinclined portion 130DL1 can be extended from the upper edge of the flatportion 130B, the second inclined portion 130DL2 can be extended fromthe left edge of the flat portion 130B, the third inclined portion130DL3 can be extended from the lower edge of the flat portion 130B, andthe fourth inclined portion 130DL4 can be extended from the right edgeof the flat portion 130B. In this instance, the plurality of inclinedportions 130DL1 to 130DL4 can have different inclinations.

The flange 130P can be extended from the inclined portion 130DL. Forexample, a first flange 130P1 can be extended from the first inclinedportion 130DL1, a second flange 130P2 can be extended from the secondinclined portion 130DL2, a third flange 130P3 can be extended from thethird inclined portion 130DL3, and a fourth flange 130P4 can be extendedfrom the fourth inclined portion 130DL4.

Referring to FIG. 7A, a projection can be positioned in the trenches132, 134 and 136. A plurality of projections can be positioned in thetrenches 132, 134 and 136. In this instance, a number of projections canvary depending on a position of the trenches 132, 134 and 136 in theflat portion 130B. For example, the first trench 134 can include a rowof projections 1341 that are sequentially arranged in the left-rightdirection LR, the second trench 132 can include two rows of projections1321 and 1322 that are sequentially arranged in the left-right directionLR, and the third trench 136 can include two rows of projections 1361and 1362 that are sequentially arranged in the left-right direction LR.

Referring to FIG. 7B, a projection can be positioned in the flat portion130B. A plurality of projections can also be positioned in the flatportion 130B. Namely, the projections illustrated in FIG. 7A can bearranged in the flat portion 130B from which the trenches 132, 134 and136 are removed.

A first row of projections 1322 can be arranged adjacent to the firstinclined portion 130DL1 along the first inclined portion 130DL1 or afirst long side 130LS1 of the frame 130, and a second row of projections1321 can be arranged adjacent to the first row of projections 1322 alongthe first inclined portion 130DL1 or the first long side 130LS1 of theframe 130.

Further, a fourth row of projections 1361 can be arranged adjacent tothe third inclined portion 130DL3 along the third inclined portion130DL3 or a second long side 130LS2 of the frame 130, and a fifth row ofprojections 1362 can be arranged adjacent to the fourth row ofprojections 1361 along the third inclined portion 130DL3 or the firstlong side 130LS1 of the frame 130.

A third row of projections 1341 can be arranged between the second rowof projections 1321 and the fifth row of projections 1362 along thefirst and second long sides 130LS1 and 130LS2 of the frame 130 or theleft-right direction LR. In this instance, the third row of projections1341 can be arranged in the center of the flat portion 130B of the frame130 along the left-right direction LR of the frame 130.

Referring to FIG. 8, a projection 1341 can be formed in the first trench134. A plurality of projections 1341 can also be sequentially formedalong a longitudinal direction (i.e., the left-right direction LR) ofthe first trench 134. The first trench 134 can have a predeterminedwidth W1 and a predetermined depth D1, and the projection 1341 can havea predetermined height H. The height H of the projection 1341 cancorrespond to the depth D1 of the first trench 134. Namely, the height Hof the projection 1341 can be substantially the same as the depth D1 ofthe first trench 134. The projection 1341 can be positioned in thecenter (based on the up-down direction UD) of a bottom surface of thefirst trench 134.

Referring to FIG. 9, the third trench 136 can have a predetermined widthW3 and a predetermined depth D3. The predetermined depth D3 of the thirdtrench 136 can be equal to or slightly different from the depth D1 ofthe first trench 134. The width W3 of the third trench 136 can bedifferent from the width W1 of the first trench 134. The width W3 of thethird trench 136 can be greater than the width W1 of the first trench134. For example, the width W3 of the third trench 136 can be more thantwo times the width W1 of the first trench 134.

Projections 1361 and 1362 can be sequentially formed along alongitudinal direction (i.e., the left-right direction LR) of the thirdtrench 136. In this instance, the projections 1361 and 1362 can bearranged in a plurality of rows. The projections 1361 and 1362 can beformed in pairs. The projections 1361 and 1362 can form a pair, and aplurality of pairs of projections 1361 and 1362 can be sequentiallyformed along the longitudinal direction of the third trench 136.

A pair of projections 1361 and 1362 can be arranged in a width direction(i.e., the up-down direction UD) of the third trench 136. Namely, oneprojection 1362 of the pair of projections 1361 and 1362 can be formedclose to the first trench 134 on a bottom surface of the third trench136, and the other projection 1361 can be formed close to the thirdinclined portion 130DL3 on the bottom surface of the third trench 136. Adistance DP between the pair of projections 1361 and 1362 can be morethan two times a half of a width of the substrate 122 described above orbelow. The description of the third trench 136 can be equally applied tothe second trench 132.

FIGS. 10 to 17 illustrate examples of coupling light sources accordingto one embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a coupling groove 122 hcan be formed on the substrate 122 in an elongated shape on thesubstrate 122. The coupling groove 122 h can be extended along alongitudinal direction of the substrate 122 and have a circularinsertion groove 122R at one end.

Further, a projection 1341 can have a head HD smaller than a diameter dof the insertion groove 122R. The head HD of the projection 1341 canalso be formed to be larger than a width w of the coupling groove 122 h.Hence, the projection 1341 can be inserted into the insertion groove122R and can couple the substrate 122 to the frame 130 while slidingalong the coupling groove 122 h.

Referring to FIG. 12, a coupling groove 122 h can be formed on thesubstrate 122 in an elongated shape on the substrate 122. The couplinggroove 122 h can be extended along the longitudinal direction of thesubstrate 122 and have a circular insertion groove 122R at one end.

Further, the coupling groove 122 h can include guides 122G1 and 122G2formed inside the coupling groove 122 h. The first guide 122G1 canprotrude from an inner surface of the coupling groove 122 h and can beformed along a longitudinal direction of the coupling groove 122 h. Thesecond guide 122G2 can also face the first guide 122G1. In thisinstance, the second guide 122G2 can protrude from the inner surface ofthe coupling groove 122 h and can be formed along the longitudinaldirection of the coupling groove 122 h.

A projection 1341 can have a head HD smaller than a diameter d of theinsertion groove 122R. The head HD of the projection 1341 can be formedto be larger than a width w of the coupling groove 122 h formed by theguides 122G1 and 122G2. Hence, the projection 1341 can be inserted intothe insertion groove 122R and can couple the substrate 122 to the frame130 while sliding along the coupling groove 122 h and the guides 122G1and 122G2.

Referring to FIG. 13, a projection 1341 does not protrude to the outsideof the substrate 122 and is positioned inside a coupling groove 122 h. Ahead HD of the projection 1341 can be positioned on an upper surface ofa first guide 122G 1 and contact a portion of the upper surface of thefirst guide 122G1. Hence, the reflective sheet 126 described above orbelow can be placed flat on the substrate 122. A height of theprojection 1341 can also be equal to or less than a thickness of thesubstrate 122.

Referring to FIG. 14, the substrate 122 and/or the light assembly 124can be positioned in the first trench 134. Also, a depth D1 of the firsttrench 134 can be substantially the same as the thickness of thesubstrate 122. The substrate 122 and/or the light assembly 124 can befixed or attached to the first trench 134. In addition, an adhesivemember AD can fix or attach the substrate 122 to the first trench 134.For example, the adhesive member AD can be a double-sided tape. Thedepth D1 of the first trench 134 can also be substantially the same as asum of thicknesses of the substrate 122 and the adhesive member AD.Namely, the light assembly 124 can seem to be placed on the flat portion130B of the frame 130 when viewed from the side. The first trenches 134can have a depth capable of accommodating the substrate 122 and/or theadhesive member AD.

Further, the width W1 of the first trench 134 can be substantially equalto or greater than the width of the substrate 122. The width W1 of thefirst trench 134 can also be substantially equal to or less than anouter diameter of the light assembly 124.

Referring to FIG. 15, the third trench 136 provides a space capable ofaccommodating the plurality of substrates 122 and has an area capable ofarranging the plurality of the substrates 122 at one time. In thisinstance, the substrate 122 and/or the light assembly 124 can be biasedto one side in an entire portion of the third trench 136. Namely, aposition of the substrate 122 and/or the light assembly 124 on the thirdtrench 136 can be changed.

The substrate 122 and/or the light assembly 124 on the third trench 136can be disposed closer to the first trench 134. Alternatively, thesubstrate 122 and/or the light assembly 124 on the third trench 136 canbe disposed closer to the third inclined portion 130DL3. This means thata distance between the light sources of the backlight unit can beadjusted.

For example, the substrate 122 and/or the light assembly 124 can beextended in the left-right direction LR and can be biased to an upperside of the third trench 134 based on the up-down direction UD.Alternatively, the substrate 122 and/or the light assembly 124 can bebiased to a lower side of the third trench 134 based on the up-downdirection UD.

Referring to FIG. 16, projections 1361 and 1362 can be positioned on thethird trench 136 and protrude from a bottom surface of the third trench136. The first projection 1361 can be positioned on the third trench 136close to the third inclined portion 130DL3, and the second projection1362 can be positioned on the third trench 136 close to the first trench134. Namely, the first projection 1361 and the second projection 1362can be positioned sequentially or in series in the up-down direction UD.

When the substrate 122 and/or the light assembly 124 are/is coupled tothe third trench 134, the substrate 122 can be inserted into the firstprojection 1361. The second projection 1362 can also be positioned nextto the substrate 122 and/or the light assembly 124 and can protrude fromthe bottom surface of the third trench 136. Namely, the substrate 122can be inserted into or coupled to the first projection 1361 or thesecond projection 1362.

Referring to FIG. 17, the first trench 134 can include a row ofprojections 1341. The row of projections 1341 can seem like oneprojection when viewed from a cross-section of the frame 130. Inaddition, the second trench 132 can include two rows of projections 1321and 1322 that seem like two projections when viewed from thecross-section of the frame 130.

Further, a height H1 of the first projection 1321 can be substantiallythe same as a height H2 of the second projection 1322, and a depth D2 ofthe second trench 132 can be substantially the same as the height H1 ofthe first projection 1321. A distance DP between the first projection1321 and the second projection 1322 can also be larger than the width ofthe substrate 122.

Next, FIGS. 18 to 21 illustrate examples of a frame according to oneembodiment. Referring to FIG. 18, the frame 180 can include a skeleton130F formed in a portion of the frame 130 in the up-down direction UD.The skeleton 130F of the frame 130 can be formed on the flat portion130B of the frame 130 by a press.

Further, the frame 180 can include a plurality of skeletons 130F. Forexample, a first skeleton 130F1 and a second skeleton 130F2 can bedisposed in the center of the flat portion 130B of the frame 130 inwhich the first skeleton 130F1 is positioned in parallel with the secondskeleton 130F2. A third skeleton 130F3 and a fourth skeleton 130F4 canalso be disposed on the side of the flat portion 130B of the frame 130in which the third skeleton 130F3 is positioned in parallel with thefourth skeleton 130F4.

Further, the trenches 132, 134 and 136 can cross the skeletons 130F. Inthis instance, the skeletons 130F crossing the trenches 132, 134 and 136can be further retracted to the rear of the flat portion 130B of theframe 130. A height difference formed by the flat portion 130B of theframe 130 and the skeletons 130F can be more than a height differenceformed by the flat portion 130B of the frame 130 and the trenches 132,134 and 136. Hence, the skeletons 130F can not affect the flatness ofthe substrate 122 coupled to the trenches 132, 134 and 136.

Referring to FIG. 20, the frame 130 can include a flat portion 130B, aninclined portion 130DL1, a flange 130P1, and a sidewall 130SW. Theinclined portion 130DL1 of the frame 130 can form a predetermined angleθ1 with the flat portion 130B of the frame 130. For example, thepredetermined angle θ1 can be 45 degrees. In this instance, the inclinedportion 130DL1 can be a first inclined portion 130DL1.

The frame 130 can include a support portion 130SHP1 and a hook portion130HK. The support portion 130SHP1 can be formed on the flange 130P1 ofthe frame 130, and the hook portion 130HK can be formed on the flange130P1 of the frame 130. In this instance, the flange 130P1 can be afirst flange 130P1. The support portion 130SHP1 and the hook portion130HK can seem to overlap each other when viewed from a cross section ofthe frame 130. In this instance, the support portion 130SHP1 can furtherprotrude to the inside of the frame 130 than the hook portion 130HK.Namely, the inclined portion 130DL1 can be closer to the support portion130SHP1 than the hook portion 130HK. The support portion 130SHP1 (or130SH) can be referred to as a first rib, and the hook portion 130HK canbe referred to as a second rib.

Referring to FIG. 21, the frame 130 can include a flat portion 130B, aninclined portion 130DL4, a flange 130P4, and a sidewall 130SW. Theinclined portion 130DL4 of the frame 130 forms a predetermined angle θ2with the flat portion 130B of the frame 130. For example, thepredetermined angle θ2 can be 60 degrees. In this instance, the inclinedportion 130DL4 can be a fourth inclined portion 130DL4. In addition, theinclined portion 130DL4 can be a second inclined portion 130DL2 or athird inclined portion 130DL3.

The frame 130 can include a support portion 130SHP4 and a hook portion130HK. The support portion 130SHP1 and the hook portion 130HK can beformed on the flange 130P4 of the frame 130. In this instance, theflange 130P4 can be a fourth flange 130P4. In addition, the flange 130P4can be a second flange 130P2 or a third flange 130P3.

The support portion 130SHP1 and the hook portion 130HK may seem tooverlap each other when viewed from a cross section of the frame 130. Inthis instance, the support portion 130SHP1 can further protrude to theinside of the frame 130 than the hook portion 130HK. Namely, theinclined portion 130DL4 can be closer to the support portion 130SHP1than the hook portion 130HK.

Next, FIGS. 22 to 29 illustrate examples of the arrangement of lightsources according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 22, a firstsubstrate 122A can be disposed on the first trench 134. A secondsubstrate 122B can be disposed on the second trench 132. A thirdsubstrate 122C can be disposed on the third trench 136. The firstsubstrate 122A, the second substrate 122B, and the third substrate 122Ccan be sequentially arranged in the up-down direction of the frame 130.

The second substrate 122B can be disposed on the upper side of thesecond trench 132. In other words, the second substrate 122B can bedisposed on the second trench 132 at a location close to a firstinclined portion 130DL1. The third substrate 122C can be disposed on thelower side of the third trench 136. In other words, the third substrate122C can be disposed on the third trench 136 at a location close to athird inclined portion 130DL3.

Further, the second substrate 122B and the third substrate 122C can beseparated from each other as far as possible within a range allowed bythe second and third trenches 132 and 136. The first substrate 122A canbe disposed in the center of the second substrate 122B and the thirdsubstrate 122C. The light assemblies 124 can be sequentially disposed oneach of the substrates 122A, 122B and 122GB in the left-right direction.Hence, light provided by the light assemblies 124 can be uniformlydistributed.

Referring to FIG. 23, the light assembly 124 can be spaced apart fromthe first inclined portion 130DL1 by a predetermined distance. Further,the light assembly 124 can be spaced apart from the fourth inclinedportion 130DL4 by a predetermined distance. The first inclined portion130DL1 can form an inclination of about 45° with the flat portion 130Bof the frame 130. Also, the fourth inclined portion 130DL4 can form aninclination of about 60° with the flat portion 130B of the frame 130.

In this instance, the light assembly 124 that is spaced apart from thefourth inclined portion 130DL4, can provide the effective opticalcharacteristics even at a distance from the fourth inclined portion130DL4 owing to an angle formed by the fourth inclined portion 130DL4and the flat portion 130B of the frame 130. Namely, as the fourthinclined portion 130DL4 has a relatively steep inclination, lightgenerated in the light assembly 124 can be uniformly distributed withoutforming a dark portion around the fourth inclined portion 130DL4.

Thus, the light assembly 124 can be spaced apart from the first inclinedportion 130DL1 by a distance D1 shorter than a separation distance D3between the light assembly 124 and the fourth inclined portion 130DL4based on an angle between the first inclined portion 130DL1 and the flatportion 130B of the frame 130. Namely, the distance D1 can be less thanthe distance D3.

As the first inclined portion 130DL1 has a relatively gentleinclination, light provided by the light assembly 124 can form a darkportion around the first inclined portion 130DL1. However, as thedistance between the light assembly 124 and the first inclined portion130DL1 decreases, the optical characteristics can be improved. Namely,even when the first inclined portion 130DL1 has the relatively gentleinclination, light generated in the light assembly 124 can be uniformlydistributed without forming a dark portion around the first inclinedportion 130DL1.

Referring to FIG. 24, the reflective sheet 126 can be positioned infront of the frame 130 and/or substrates 122A, 122B and 122C (see FIG.23), and the reflective sheet 126 can have through holes 235 (see FIG.3). The upper part and/or the side of the light assembly 124 can bepositioned on the front surface of the reflective sheet 126 through thethrough holes 235. FIG. 24 illustrates an example where the substrates122A, 122B and 122C shown in FIG. 22 are disposed in three rows.

Referring to FIG. 25, a first substrate 122A can be disposed on thesecond trench 132, and a second substrate 122B can be disposed on thethird trench 136. The first substrate 122A and the second substrate 122Bcan also be sequentially arranged in the up-down direction of the frame130.

Further, the first substrate 122A can be disposed on the lower side ofthe second trench 132. In other words, the first substrate 122A can bedisposed on the second trench 132 at a position away from the firstinclined portion 130DL1. The second substrate 122B can also be disposedon the upper side of the third trench 136. In other words, the secondsubstrate 122B can be disposed on the third trench 136 at a positionaway from the third inclined portion 130DL3. In another aspect, thefirst substrate 122A on the second trench 132 can be disposed as closeas possible to the first trench 134, and the second substrate 122B onthe third trench 136 can be disposed as close as possible to the firsttrench 134.

Further, the first substrate 122A and the second substrate 122B can bedisposed as close as possible to each other within a range allowed bythe trenches 132 and 136. Further, the light assemblies 124 can besequentially arranged on each substrate 122 in the left-right direction.Hence, although the substrate 122 and/or the light assembly 124 areomitted in the first trench 134, light provided by the light assemblies124 can be uniformly distributed.

Referring to FIG. 26, the reflective sheet 126 can be positioned infront of the frame 130 and/or substrates 122A and 122B (see FIG. 25) andcan have through holes 235 (see FIG. 3). The upper part and/or the sideof the light assembly 124 can be positioned on the front surface of thereflective sheet 126 through the through holes 235. FIG. 26 illustratesan example where the substrates 122A and 122B shown in FIG. 25 aredisposed in two rows.

Referring to FIGS. 27 and 28, the first substrate 122A can be disposedon the lower side of the second trench 132, and the second substrate122B can be disposed on the upper side of the third trench 136. Further,the first substrate 122A and the second substrate 122B can be disposedas close as possible to each other inside the trenches 132 and 136.

The light assembly 124 can include a lens extended in the up-downdirection UD. When the substrate 122A and/or the light assembly 124 arepositioned on the lower side of the second trench 132, the lightassembly 124 can be far from the first inclined portion 130DL1. When thelight assembly 124 is far from the first inclined portion 130DL1, a darkportion can be formed around the first inclined portion 130DL1 by thefirst inclined portion 130DL1 having the relatively gentler inclinationthan the fourth inclined portion 130DL4.

In this instance, the light assembly 124 having the lens of a shapeextended in the up-down direction UD can improve the opticalcharacteristics around the first inclined portion 130DL1 in spite of achange in a position of the substrate 122A in the second trench 132.Namely, the light assembly 124 can maintain the uniform distribution oflight around the first inclined portion 130DL1.

As the position of the substrate 122A changes, a distance D11 betweenthe light assembly 124 and the first inclined portion 130DL1 and adistance D33 between the light assembly 124 and the fourth inclinedportion 130DL4 can change. This change can lead to a change in theoptical characteristics that form a dark portion and a bright portion,causing the deterioration of image quality. Even when the position ofthe substrate 122A changes, the light assembly 124 can provide lightwith the uniform distribution for the first inclined portion 130DL1 andthe fourth inclined portion 130DL4 owing to a change in the shape of thelens of the light assembly 124.

Referring to FIG. 29, the reflective sheet 126 can be positioned infront of the frame 130 and/or substrates 122A and 122B (see FIG. 27) andcan have through holes 235 (see FIG. 3). The upper part and/or the sideof the light assembly 124 can be positioned on the front surface of thereflective sheet 126 through the through holes 235.

Next, FIGS. 30 to 38 illustrate examples of the coupling and thearrangement of light sources according to one embodiment. Referring toFIGS. 30 and 31, a first holder 430 can be positioned on the frame 130such as being positioned on the flat portion 130B. The first holder 430can be formed on the flat portion 130B and be positioned adjacent to thefirst inclined portion 130DL1. The first holder 430 can include aplurality of first holders 430. For example, the first holder 430 canform a row of first holders 430 in the left-right direction along thefirst long side LS1 of the frame 130 on the flat portion 130B of theframe 130.

The first holder 430 can have a protrusion 431. The first holder 430 canbe fixed to the flat portion 130B. The protrusion 431 can protrude fromthe first holder 430 to the outside. One side of the substrate 122 canbe placed on the first holder 430. The one side of the substrate 122 canbe inserted into the first holder 430. The one side of the substrate 122can be supported by the first holder 430 and the protrusion 431.

A second holder 440 can be positioned on the frame 130, and the secondholder 440 can be positioned on the flat portion 130B. The second holder440 can be formed on the flat portion 130B and be positioned between thefirst inclined portion 130DL1 and the first holder 430. The secondholder 440 can also include a plurality of second holders 440. Forexample, the second holder 440 can form a row of second holders 440 inthe left-right direction along the first long side LS1 of the frame 130on the flat portion 130B of the frame 130.

In addition, the second holder 440 can have a protrusion 441. Inparticular, the protrusion 441 of the second holder 440 can be directedtoward the protrusion 431 of the first holder 430. Namely, when theprotrusion 431 of the first holder 430 is directed toward the upper sideof the frame 130, the protrusion 441 of the second holder 440 can bedirected toward the lower side of the frame 130. Hence, the substrate122 can be fixed to the frame 130 by the first holder 430 and the secondholder 440. In this instance, the first holder 430 and the second holder440 can be alternately disposed. The first holder 430 and the secondholder 440 can form a row C forming a pair.

Further, a plurality of first and second holders 430 and 440 of a firstrow C1 can be formed on the flat portion 130B adjacent to the firstinclined portion 130DL1. A plurality of first and second holders 430 and440 of a second row C2 can also be formed on the flat portion 130Badjacent to the third inclined portion 130DL3. Also, a plurality offirst and second holders 430 and 440 of a third row C3 can be positionedbetween the plurality of first and second holders 430 and 440 of thefirst row C1 and the plurality of first and second holders 430 and 440of the second row C2.

A plurality of first and second holders 430 and 440 of a fourth row C4can be positioned between the plurality of first and second holders 430and 440 of the first row C1 and the plurality of first and secondholders 430 and 440 of the third row C3. Further, the plurality of firstand second holders 430 and 440 of the fourth row C4 can be positionedadjacent to the plurality of first and second holders 430 and 440 of thefirst row C1.

A plurality of first and second holders 430 and 440 of a fifth row C5can be positioned between the plurality of first and second holders 430and 440 of the second row C2 and the plurality of first and secondholders 430 and 440 of the third row C3. The plurality of first andsecond holders 430 and 440 of the fifth row C5 can be positionedadjacent to the plurality of first and second holders 430 and 440 of thesecond row C2.

Referring to FIG. 32, a first substrate 122A can be mounted on aplurality of first and second holders 430 and 440 of a first row C1. Asecond substrate 122B can be mounted on a plurality of first and secondholders 430 and 440 of a third row C3. A third substrate 122C can bemounted on a plurality of first and second holders 430 and 440 of asecond row C2. Namely, the substrates 122A, 122B and 122C and the lightassemblies 124 can be arranged in three rows.

Referring to FIG. 33, a first substrate 122A can be mounted on aplurality of first and second holders 430 and 440 of a fourth row C4,and a second substrate 122B can be mounted on a plurality of first andsecond holders 430 and 440 of a fifth row C5. Namely, the substrates122A and 122B and the light assemblies 124 can be arranged in two rows.

Referring to FIGS. 34 and 35, a supporter 432 can face a first holder430. The supporter 432 can be positioned above the first holder 430based on the up-down direction of the frame 130. The supporter 432 canbe positioned on the left side or the right side of a second holder 440based on the left-right direction of the frame 130. The supporters 432can be positioned on both sides of the second holder 440. Hence, whenthe substrate 122 is inserted into the first holder 430, the supporter432 can support the substrate 122. Further, the supporter 432 canprevent the substrate 122 from being detached from the first holder 430after the substrate 122 is inserted into the first holder 430. In thisinstance, the first holder 430 and the second holder 440 can bealternately disposed. The first holder 430 and the second holder 440 canform a row C forming a pair.

A plurality of first and second holders 430 and 440 of a first row C1can be formed on the flat portion 130B adjacent to the first inclinedportion 130DL1. Also, a plurality of first and second holders 430 and440 of a second row C2 can be formed on the flat portion 130B adjacentto the third inclined portion 130DL3. Further, a plurality of first andsecond holders 430 and 440 of a third row C3 can be positioned betweenthe plurality of first and second holders 430 and 440 of the first rowC1 and the plurality of first and second holders 430 and 440 of thesecond row C2.

A plurality of first and second holders 430 and 440 of a fourth row C4can be positioned between the plurality of first and second holders 430and 440 of the first row C1 and the plurality of first and secondholders 430 and 440 of the third row C3. Further, the plurality of firstand second holders 430 and 440 of the fourth row C4 can be positionedadjacent to the plurality of first and second holders 430 and 440 of thefirst row C1.

A plurality of first and second holders 430 and 440 of a fifth row C5can be positioned between the plurality of first and second holders 430and 440 of the second row C2 and the plurality of first and secondholders 430 and 440 of the third row C3. The plurality of first andsecond holders 430 and 440 of the fifth row C5 can be positionedadjacent to the plurality of first and second holders 430 and 440 of thesecond row C2.

Referring to FIGS. 36 and 37, a first substrate 122A can be mounted on aplurality of first and second holders 430 and 440 of a first row C1. Asecond substrate 122B can be mounted on a plurality of first and secondholders 430 and 440 of a third row C3. A third substrate 122C can bemounted on a plurality of first and second holders 430 and 440 of asecond row C2. Namely, the substrates 122A, 122B and 122C and the lightassemblies 124 can be arranged in three rows.

Referring to FIG. 38, a first substrate 122A can be mounted on aplurality of first and second holders 430 and 440 of a fourth row C4,and a second substrate 122B can be mounted on a plurality of first andsecond holders 430 and 440 of a fifth row C5. Namely, the substrates122A and 122B and the light assemblies 124 can be arranged in two rows.The substrates 122A, 122B and 122C can be fixed to the frame 130 usingan adhesive member, for example, a double-sided tape.

FIGS. 39 to 46 illustrate examples of an edge of a frame according toone embodiment. Referring to FIG. 39, a support portion 130SH can bepositioned on the flange 130P of the frame 130 and be formed on aportion of the flange 130P of the frame 130. The support portion 130SHcan also be formed by bending a portion of the flange 130P of the frame130.

For example, the support portion 130SH can be formed by partiallybending the flange 130P and the sidewall 130SW of the frame 130.Further, the flange 130P and the side wall 130SW of the frame 130 can becut and bent to form the support portion 130SH. Hence, an empty space1300P2 is formed between the support portion 130SH and the sidewall130SW.

When an overall thickness of the frame 130 decreases, a thickness of thesupport portion 130SH included in the frame 130 can also decrease. Thiscan lead to a reduction in rigidity of the support portion 130SH. Thus,the support portion 130SH can be spaced apart from an edge formed by theflange 130P and the sidewall 130SW by a predetermined distance andpositioned inside the flange 130P. The support portion 130SH can also bepositioned adjacent to the optical layer 123.

The support portion 130SH can be entirely bent and include protrusions130SHP1 and 130SHP2. The protrusions 130SHP1 and 130SHP2 protrude fromthe sidewall 130SW toward the optical layer 123 and can be formed bypressing the support portion 130SH. A plurality of protrusions 130SHP1and 130SHP2 can also be formed. Further, the first protrusion 130SHP1can protrude to the inside of the frame 130, and the second protrusion130SHP2 can protrude to the inside of the frame 130. The firstprotrusion 130SHP1 and the second protrusion 130SHP2 can also protrudeat the same protrusion level. Namely, the first protrusion 130SHP1 andthe second protrusion 130SHP2 can simultaneously support the side of theoptical layer 123.

Further, the support portion 130SH can secure sufficient rigidity forsupporting the optical layer 123 due to the overall shape of the supportportion 130SH. Also, a hook portion 130HK can be positioned on theflange 130P of the frame 130 and be formed on a portion of the flange130P of the frame 130. The hook portion 130HK can also be formed bybending a portion of the flange 130P of the frame 130.

In addition, the hook portion 130HK can be formed by partially bendingthe flange 130P and the sidewall 130SW of the frame 130. The flange 130Pand the side wall 130SW of the frame 130 can be cut and bent to form thehook portion 130HK. Hence, an empty space 130OP1 can be formed betweenthe hook portion 130HK and the sidewall 130SW.

Further, the hook portion 130HK can be spaced apart from an edge formedby the flange 130P and the sidewall 130SW by a predetermined distanceand positioned inside the flange 130P. The hook portion 130HK can alsobe positioned adjacent to the optical layer 123. The sidewall 130SWpositioned below the support portion 130SH or the hook portion 130HK canbe bent or can form a stepped portion. Hence, the support portion 130SHand/or the hook portion 130HK can provide a clearance while maintainingthe rigidity of the sidewall 130SW.

Referring to FIGS. 40 and 41, the support portion 130SH can support theoptical layer 123 and in particular can support the side of the opticallayer 123. The optical layer 123 can be, for example, a diffusion plate.The protrusions 130SHP1 and 130SHP2 of the support portion 130SH cancontact the side of the optical layer 123. Further, the support portion130SH can support the optical sheet 125, and in particular support theside of the optical sheet 125. In this instance, the protrusions 130SHP1and 130SHP2 of the support part 130SH can contact the side of theoptical sheet 125. The optical sheet 125 can also be placed on theoptical layer 123. In this instance, the coupling portion 125 d of theoptical sheet 125 can be inserted into the hook portion 130HK.

As shown in FIG. 40, the hook portion 130HK is inserted into thecoupling portion 125 d to couple the optical sheet 125 to the to frameand sandwich the optical layer 123 between the optical sheet 125 and theflange 130P3. Further, as shown in FIG. 40, the first and secondprotrusions 130SHP1 and 130SHP2 contact the sides surfaces of theoptical layer 123 and the optical sheet 125 with other surfaces of thefirst and second protrusions 130SHP1 and 130SHP2 not contacting the sidesurfaces of the optical layer and the optical sheet. When an externalforces is applied to the optical layer 123 and/or optical sheet 125, thesupport portion 130SH compresses to absorb the external force in whichthe other surfaces of the first and second protrusions 130SHP1 and130SHP2 may then contact the side surfaces of the optical layer 123 andthe optical sheet 125.

Referring to FIGS. 42 and 43, the hook portion 130HK can be spaced apartfrom the optical layer 123 such that a gap G can be formed between thehook portion 130HK and the optical layer 123. The gap G can be, forexample, about 0.5 millimeters. The hook portion 130HK can fix theoptical sheet 125 while maintaining the gap G from the optical layer123.

The optical layer 123 can be supported by the support portion 130SH.When the support portion 130SH supporting the optical layer 123 iscollapsed due to an excessive load or an external force or an impactthat can occur in the movement, the hook portion 130HK can be asecondary supporting mechanism for supporting the optical layer 123.

Referring to FIGS. 44 and 45, the hook portion 130HK can be entirelybent. In addition, the hook portion 130HK can include protrusions130HKP1 and 130HKP2. For example, the hook portion 130HK can protrudefrom the sidewall 130SW toward the optical layer 123. The protrusions130HKP1 and 130HKP2 can also be formed by pressing the hook portion130HK. A plurality of protrusions 130HKP1 and 130HKP2 can be formed. Thefirst protrusion 130HKP1 can protrude to the inside of the frame 130,and the second protrusion 130HKP2 can protrude to the inside of theframe 130. The first protrusion 130HKP1 and the second protrusion130HKP2 can also protrude at the same protrusion level. Namely, thefirst protrusion 130HKP1 and the second protrusion 130HKP2 cansimultaneously support the side of the optical layer 123.

The hook portion 130HK can secure sufficient rigidity for supporting theoptical layer 123 due to the overall shape of the hook portion 130HK.Further, even when an external force or an impact is applied to theoptical layer 123 supported by the hook portion 130HK and the supportportion 130SH, a fixed state of the optical layer 123 can be maintained.Namely, the durability of the display device 100 can be furtherimproved.

Referring to FIG. 46A, the support portion 130SH can be formed at alocation adjacent to a corner C. For example, a first support portion130SH1 can be positioned on the second long side LS2 and can be adjacentto a third corner C3. A second support portion 130SH2 can be positionedon the second long side LS2 and can be adjacent to a fourth corner C4. Athird support portion 130SH3 can be positioned on the first long sideLS1 and can be adjacent to a second corner C2. A fourth support portion130SH4 can be positioned on the first long side LS1 and can be adjacentto a first corner C1.

A fifth support portion 130SH5 can be positioned on the second shortside SS2 and can be adjacent to the second corner C2. A sixth supportportion 130SH6 can be positioned on the second short side SS2 and can beadjacent to the third corner C3. A seventh support portion 130SH7 can bepositioned on the first short side SS1 and can be adjacent to the firstcorner C1. An eighth support portion 130SH8 can be positioned on thefirst short side SS1 and can be adjacent to the fourth corner C4. Inthis instance, the fifth to eighth support portions 130SH5 to 130SH8 canbe omitted.

Referring to FIG. 46B, the support portion 130SH can be formed at alocation adjacent to a corner C. For example, a first support portion130SH1 can be positioned on the second long side LS2 and can be adjacentto a third corner C3. A second support portion 130SH2 can be positionedon the second long side LS2 and can be adjacent to a fourth corner C4. Athird support portion 130SH3 can be positioned on the first long sideLS1 and can be adjacent to a second corner C2. A fourth support portion130SH4 can be positioned on the first long side LS1 and can be adjacentto a first corner C1.

A fifth support portion 130SH5 can be positioned in the center of thesecond short side SS2. A sixth support portion 130SH6 can be positionedin the center of the first short side SS1. In this instance, the fifthsupport portion 130SH5 and/or the sixth support portion 130SH6 can beomitted. A number or a position of hook portions 130HK described abovecan be changed.

FIGS. 47 and 48 illustrate examples of a display device according to oneembodiment. Referring to FIG. 47, the optical layer 123 can bepositioned in front of the frame 130. The optical layer 123 can beplaced on the flange 130P3 of the frame 130. In this instance, theoptical layer 123 can be spaced apart from the hook portion 130HK. A gapG can be formed between the optical layer 123 and the hook portion130HK.

The optical sheet 125 can be positioned in front of the optical layer123. The optical sheet 125 can be placed on the front surface of theoptical layer 123. The back surface of the optical sheet 125 can contactthe front surface of the optical layer 123. In this instance, thecoupling portion 125 d of the optical sheet 125 can be inserted into thehook portion 130HK, and thus a position of the optical sheet 125 can befixed.

The guide panel 117 can be positioned adjacent to the side and/or thefront surface of the frame 130. The guide panel 117 can include ahorizontal portion 117H and a vertical portion 117V. The horizontalportion 117H can be positioned in front of the flange 130P3 of the frame130. The horizontal portion 117H can be positioned on the front surfaceof the optical layer 123 and/or the optical sheet 125.

The horizontal portion 117H can include pressing portions 117P. A firstpressing portion 117P1 can press a portion of the front surface or aportion of the periphery of the front surface of the optical layer 123and/or the optical sheet 125. A second pressing portion 117P2 can pressthe coupling portion 125 d of the optical sheet 125. Hence, the opticallayer 123 and/or the optical sheet 125 can be firmly coupled to theframe 130. The horizontal portion 11711 can have a groove 1171. Thesupport portion 130SH or the hook portion 130HK can be inserted into thegroove 1171. Thus, the guide panel 117 can be coupled to the frame 130.The vertical portion 117V can be positioned adjacent to the sidewall130SW of the frame 130. The vertical portion 117V can face the sidewall130SW of the frame 130. The vertical portion 117V can be extended fromthe horizontal portion 117H. An adhesive member AD can be fixed to aportion of a front surface of the horizontal portion 117H. The adhesivemember AD can be, for example, a double-sided tape.

Referring to FIGS. 47 and 48, the display panel 110 can be placed on thefront surface of the horizontal portion 117H of the guide panel 117. Thedisplay panel 110 can be fixed to the guide panel 117 by the adhesivemember AD. A member layer MB on one side of the display panel 110 can beextended toward the rear or the back surface of the frame 130 whilewinding the side of the frame 130 or the horizontal portion 117H and/orthe vertical portion 117V of the guide panel 117. For example, themember layer MB can be a chip-on-film (COF) or a flexible printedcircuit board (FPCB).

FIGS. 49 and 50 illustrate examples of fixing a member layer of adisplay device according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 49, aholder 400 can be positioned in the rear of the frame 130. The holder400 can be positioned on the back surface of the frame 130. The holder400 can be positioned on a back surface of the inclined portion 130DL3of the frame 130. When an overall thickness of the frame 130 is thin,the holder 400 can be positioned on the back surface of the frame 130.Further, when the overall thickness of the frame 130 is thick, theholder 400 can be positioned on the side of the frame 130 or the backsurface of the inclined portion 130DL3. The thickness of the frame 130can mean the size of the inclined portion 130DL3 (130DL).

The holder 400 can be fixed to the back surface of the inclined portion130DL3 of the frame 130 by an adhesive member. The holder 400 caninclude a body 402, a clip 404, and an adhesive portion AD. The holder400 can be fixed by attaching the adhesive portion AD to the backsurface of the inclined portion 130DL3 of the frame 130. The adhesiveportion AD can be, for example, a double-sided tape. A substrate 110PCcan be, for example, an S-PCB and can be inserted into the holder 400.

Referring to FIG. 50, a fixed position of the holder 400 can bedistorted by an external force or an impact. When a position of theholder 400 is changed, a fixed position of the substrate 110PC can bealso changed. In this instance, the member layer MB having a limitedlength can be damaged.

FIGS. 51 to 54 illustrate examples of fixing a member layer of a displaydevice according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 51, the holder 400can include a body 402, a clip 404, a first hook 406, and a second hook408. The clip 404 can be a material with elasticity, for example, asynthetic resin.

The clip 404 can include a palm 404 c, a first finger 404 a, and asecond finger 404 b. The palm 404 c can be equal to or slightly largerthan a width of the substrate 110PC. Namely, the palm 404 c can providesome clearance when the substrate 110PC is placed on the palm 404 c. Thefirst finger 404 a can bend toward the second finger 404 b. The secondfinger 404 b can bend toward the first finger 404 a. The first finger404 a can include an inclined portion 4041. The inclined portion 4041 ofthe first finger 404 a can provide a path into which the substrate 110PCis inserted. The second finger 404 b can include an inclined portion4042. The inclined portion 4042 of the second finger 404 b can provide apath through which the substrate 101PC is inserted into the secondfinger 404 b in a state where the substrate 101PC is inserted into thefirst finger 404 a.

In other words, the first finger 404 a and the second finger 404 b canbe extended from both ends of the palm 404 c. In this instance, thefirst finger 404 a and the second finger 404 b can bend so that theyface each other. The first inclined portion 4041 can be formed at thefirst finger 404 a, and the second inclined portion 4042 can be formedat the second finger 404 b. The first inclined portion 4041 can beformed on a surface of the first finger 404 a facing the palm 404 c. Thesecond inclined portion 4042 can be formed on a surface of the secondfinger 404 b which does not face the palm 404 c and faces the outside.

The first hook 406 can be positioned opposite the clip 404 with the body402 interposed therebetween. For example, the first hook 406 can beentirely formed in a shape of an arrowhead or a wedge. The first hook406 can include a column 406 a and a head 406 b. The column 406 a canprotrude from one side or one surface of the body 402. The head 406 bcan be formed on the column 406 a. The head 406 b can be formed on thetop of the column 406 a. A diameter of the head 406 b can be greaterthan a diameter of the column 406 a.

Inclined portions 4061 and 4062 can be formed at the periphery or anedge of the head 406 b. Namely, the head 406 b can include a firstinclined portion 4061 and a second inclined portion 4062. The firstinclined portion 4061 can be positioned opposite the second inclinedportion 4062. In a three-dimensional viewpoint, the first inclinedportion 4061 can be connected to the second inclined portion 4062.Namely, the first inclined portion 4061 and the second inclined portion4062 can be formed as a single surface.

The second hook 408 can include a vertical portion 408 a and a hookportion 408 b. The vertical portion 408 a can protrude from the body402. The hook portion 408 b can bend in a different direction from aprotruding direction of the vertical portion 408 a and can be extendedfrom the vertical portion 408 a. For example, the second hook 408 canentirely have a hook shape.

Referring to FIGS. 52 to 54, the frame 130 can have a fixing hole 130 h.The fixing hole 130 h can be formed in the back surface of the frame130. The fixing hole 130 h can be formed in the inclined portion 130DL3of the frame 130. A plurality of fixing holes 130 h can be formed in theinclined portion 130DL3 of the frame 130.

A first fixing hole 130 h 2 can be formed to pass through the inclinedportion 130DL3. The first fixing hole 130 h 2 can be formed in acircular shape so that the first hook 406 can be inserted into the firstfixing hole 130 h 2. A second fixing hole 130 h 1 can be formed adjacentto the first fixing hole 130 h 2. The second fixing hole 130 h 1 can beformed to pass through the inclined portion 130DL3. The second fixinghole 130 h 1 can be formed in a rectangular shape so that the secondhook 408 can be inserted into the second fixing hole 130 h 1. The secondfixing hole 130 h 1 can have a different shape from the first fixinghole 130 h 2. In this instance, the second fixing hole 130 h 1 can beformed larger than the second hook 408.

In the holder 400, the second hook 408 can be inserted into the secondfixing hole 130 h 1, and then the first hook 406 can be inserted intothe first fixing hole 130 h 2. Hence, the holder 400 fixed to the backsurface of the frame 130 can be prevented from being distorted from itsposition or can be prevented from being detached from the frame 130.When the substrate 110PC is inserted into the holder 400, the substrate110PC cannot move by an external force or an impact owing to a stablefixing of the holder 400. Further, a damage of the member layer MB canbe prevented.

The display device according to the present disclosure provides severaladvantages such maintaining the initial image quality of the displaydevice by improving the durability of the display device, varying anarrangement of light sources of a backlight unit, improving the lightefficiency of the backlight unit, securing the structural rigidity of aslim frame, improving a support structure of an optical layer, improvingthe assembly convenience of a holder and prevent the detachment of theholder, and improving the durability of the display device against anexternal impact.

The foregoing embodiments are merely examples and are not to beconsidered as limiting the present disclosure. The present teachings canbe readily applied to other types of methods and apparatuses. Thefeatures, structures, methods, and other characteristics of theembodiments described herein may be combined in various ways to obtainadditional and/or alternative embodiments. Certain embodiments or otherembodiments of the invention described above are not mutually exclusiveor distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments ofthe invention described above may be combined or combined with eachother in configuration or function.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number ofillustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerousother modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled inthe art that will fall within the scope of the principles of thisdisclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications arepossible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subjectcombination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawingsand the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications inthe component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also beapparent to those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device comprising: a display panel; atleast one light assembly; a diffusion plate behind the display panel; anoptical sheet between the display panel and the diffusion plate andincluding a plurality of coupling portions; and a frame behind thediffusion plate, wherein the frame includes: a plurality of first ribsextended from the frame, wherein each of the plurality of first ribs isconfigured to contact and support a respective side surface of thediffusion plate and a respective side surface of the optical sheet, theplurality of first ribs spaced apart and arranged along a periphery ofthe display panel; and a plurality of second ribs extended from theframe, wherein each of the plurality of second ribs is positioned to bespaced apart and to be further laterally outward from a side surface ofthe diffusion plate, wherein a height of each of the plurality of ribsis greater than a combined height of the diffusion plate and the opticalsheet, wherein each of the plurality of second ribs are inserted into acorresponding coupling portion of the plurality of coupling portions ofthe optical sheet to couple the optical sheet to the frame, wherein theframe further includes: a central portion; an inclined portion forming apredetermined angle with the central portion; and a flange extendinghorizontally from the inclined portion and parallel to the centralportion, wherein the diffusion plate is supported by the flange, andwherein the at least one light assembly is disposed on a substratepositioned at the central portion of the frame.